Level 6 Woodland Officer Apprentice in Keswick

Are you ready to live your future? Do you want to be part of building a greener, healthier, and stronger North West? Come and join us! With a range of award‑winning roles on offer, you’re sure to find your perfect career here at United Utilities. We’ll provide you with industry‑leading skills and the experience you need to succeed in your chosen field.

United Utilities is accountable for water and wastewater services in the North West of England. From 2025‑2030 we will undertake the largest investment in water and wastewater services in the North West in 100 years – more than £13 billion worth of projects. Now, more than ever, we need inspiring future talent to help make the North West stronger, greener, and healthier.

Your apprenticeship will last 48 months, and successful apprentices will achieve a Level 6 Professional Forester (integrated degree) endorsed by the Institute for Apprenticeships. Training will take place at your workplace with block releases at the university. If you do not live nearby, accommodation will be reimbursed or provided by United Utilities during this period, excluding weekends.

As a Level 6 Woodland Officer Apprentice, you’ll learn how to:

• Effectively manage and improve the company’s trees and woodland throughout the catchment, to protect water quality, provide amenity, and enhance reputation.
• Develop and implement forest management and design plans in line with FSC guidelines for all trees and woodlands within the catchment.
• Manage the company’s woodlands to ensure we maintain the company’s FSC accreditation, including preparing for and managing the audit process.
• Represent UU at meetings with stakeholders including local authorities, utility companies, contractors, partners, etc., ensuring the company’s interests are protected and reputation enhanced.
• Assess land to identify opportunities to create new woodland.
• Apply for grants to deliver new woodland creation and existing woodland management.

What we’re looking for:

• 5 GCSEs or equivalent, grades A‑C or 9‑4, including Maths, English and a Science or Technology subject.
• Plus A levels or equivalent qualifications totalling a minimum of 96 UCAS points.
• Full UK driving licence upon application.
• An understanding of woodland management, silviculture and arboriculture.
• An understanding of the UK Forestry Standard and UK Woodland Assurance Standard.
• Knowledge of grants and licensing associated with woodland management.
• Understanding of tree & woodland legislation and wider planning considerations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Good analytical skills.
• Computer literate, ideally with GIS and mapping experience.
• Enthusiasm to gain hands‑on experience, develop practical skills and achieve the qualifications needed to succeed.
• Great ability to work as part of a team.
• The ability to manage time and workload to get things done.

Why choose us to kickstart your career?

• Secure your future – Every apprentice is guaranteed a permanent position at the end of their scheme.
• A springboard to your career – You’ll receive structured training, a dedicated mentor, and high‑quality learning to shape your career.
• Inspire the next generation – You’ll represent United Utilities at key events across the region, engaging with young people to bring careers in the water industry to life.
• Reward and benefits – Competitive starting salary of £21,000, increasing each year based on performance.
• Be part of the UU family – Network, bond, and learn from colleagues and fellow apprentices.

It is essential that you live within a reasonable commuting distance of the core location of your apprenticeship. As part of your induction, you will attend a residential trip in the Lake District. Accommodation and boarding will be provided. During your apprenticeship you may need to travel to your place of study. If you’re not local to your place of study, accommodation will be provided by United Utilities during this period (excluding weekends). Please consider travel requirements and staying away from home if applicable.

Depending on the role that you are applying for, our recruitment process may require you to complete:

• An online application form.
• Online tests.
• An in‑person interview (and presentation) or assessment centre.
• A technical test.

If you are offered a job with us, pre‑employment checks will need to be carried out before your appointment can be confirmed. Any offer of employment with United Utilities will be subject to a satisfactory report from Disclosure Scotland / the Disclosure and Barring Service.